Dragnet

A dragnet is a system of coordinated measures, typically involving police or security forces, designed to capture criminals or suspects by searching a wide area. It involves the deployment of personnel and resources to locate, apprehend, or intercept individuals believed to be involved in illegal activities. The primary goal is to quickly and efficiently bring suspected offenders into custody, often focusing on the swift execution of justice, or the preservation of safety. Dagnets can involve checkpoints, road closures, raids, surveillance, and information gathering to prevent potential flight or concealment of people in question. The scale of a dragnet can vary widely, from small operations targeting individual suspects to large-scale operations that could involve entire cities. The effectiveness of a dragnet relies on the efficiency of the coordination and deployment of all personnel.

Dragnet meaning with examples

• Following the bank robbery, police initiated a city-wide dragnet, setting up roadblocks and searching houses in an attempt to apprehend the suspects before they could leave the area. This required significant manpower, including officers, detectives, and patrol units working in concert to search for any leads.
• The FBI established a dragnet across multiple states after a known serial killer escaped prison. Their efforts were aimed at gathering information from local communities. Law enforcement sought to stop the fugitive, before more violence occurred, coordinating with media outlets to inform the public and secure tips.
• In response to a series of arsons, the fire department worked with the police to implement a targeted dragnet. They worked tirelessly to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses. They planned to identify any potential arsonists within the community before more property damage occurred.
• Faced with rising gang violence, the mayor authorized a concentrated dragnet in the affected neighborhoods. This required intense police presence, with the objective of deterring further violence through strict enforcement of existing laws and increased monitoring. The result was hoped to quell the escalation.
• After a major terrorist attack, security forces deployed a large-scale dragnet, focusing on key infrastructure and public spaces. They set up intensive checkpoints, reviewed information that was obtained, and used advanced surveillance. Their goal was to prevent any secondary attacks.